The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-06-11
ANUN-NAMED HERO.



Among those who gathered most
reverentIy around the graves OF our
fallen heroes on Decoration Day was a
man, who burdened with Affections and
bowed down with adversely. has grown
gray and almost an invalid before his
time. When the toCsln OF war was
sounded in 1861 he was among the
first 10 announce his determination 20
give OF his tongue, pen and life-biood
If needed 20 assist in protecting the
old flag. He was the pastor OF Hour
ishing church in one OF the prettiest
little cities in Illinois. There hap
peaed 10 be in that section quite a
large number OF those who sympa-
thized with rebellion and among them
a number who waited upon his seryi-
ces. They were outspoken IN their
devotion 10 the South but found In
their pastor vehement defender OF
the Union. and OF course they became
his enemies and did al they could TO
iajure his usefulness 10 the church.
He embraced every possible oppor-
tunity 10 denounce treason and en-
courage enlistments. Many OF
those who went out 10 light for
the Union, were young men who
had been under his watch-care, who
had been taught lessons OF patriotism
from his pulpit. While h was anx-
ious 10 enter the field himself, ne was
persuaded by influential Union men TO
remain ut home rs long as he could do
more for his country than in the field.
He remained pastor OF his tiocx for
year. During that time he had buried
number OF his "boys," Us he called
them They had fallen with their
faces 20 the foe at Belmont. Fort
Henry, Donelson, Pittsbury Landing,
and other points. He honored their
dead bodies, comforted their friends,
and assisted in every way in furnish
ing sanitary supplies.
When he felt sure that he could do
more In the field, he entered the army
as a chaplain, and in the campaign in
the Mississippi Valley, at Vicksburg.
Port Hudson, and points in that re-
gion, on the gunboats and on land, ev-
erywhere he devoted every moment to
the service of his country. In y num-
Der OF instances he entered the thickest
OF the fight, musket in hand, and
did the dLty Of common soldier.
But though unscathed by ball or shell
or swords point, after a service OF two
years he was compelled to retire, and
when he came home h. took up his
duties and bravely tried 10 discharge
them. but his health was broken, and
he found II impC ssible to give salts
faction as pastor. He then engaged
in teaching but the strain on his health
had been SO great that his physicians
forbid intellectual employment.
Years passed. and the little means
he had, slipped from his hands.
His family became afflicted, his wife
died, and his daughters were com
pelled to earn their own living. How
he lived, none but the God whom ne
served knows, but one thing he never
forgot, and that was TO attend the dec
Grafton OF the graves OF the brave
heroes who had given their lives fol
their country. He regarded IL as a sa.
cred duty, and was always ready e
gather lowers. distribute flowers, de.
liver addresses, offer prayer, or drop
a tear to the memory OF the boys he
loved go well.
Drifting about from point TO point
at last. two or three years since, he Sc
cured a position in connection with
large church in one of our cities as 3
secretary or assistant 10 the pastor
where IL has been his duty TO visit thu
sick. comfort the suffering and dis
tribute aims 10 the needy. He is do
ing his Masters work, and yet thi.
brave man who sacrificed health
pleasures. emoluments aud position
for his county has been nearly forgot
. ten. He has never asked for pension
and IL the war had never come wit!
, all its attendant horrors, he nigh
to-day have had a position among tn
highest in the church or educationa
circles. Some who read this tribut
may recognize this unnamed hero, TO
is a sketch of fact, not fancy.
Carl aud Optical science.
s.xUoneff .,n~taI RapIal